What's Happening?
The Dallas Cowboys are being encouraged to consider a trade for Miami Dolphins' outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips to fill the gap left by Micah Parsons. The Dolphins, currently struggling with a 1-4 record, may become sellers at the NFL trade deadline, potentially making Phillips available. Phillips, who has shown significant potential, is playing on a $13.25 million club option and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. His performance in the 2023-24 season ranked him as the fourth-best edge rusher and 13th-best player in the league, according to PFSN. Despite recent injuries, Phillips has started the 2025 season strong, contributing to the Dolphins' defense with a sack, tackle for loss, fumble recovery, and two quarterback hits.
Why It's Important?
The potential trade for Jaelan Phillips could significantly impact both the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. For the Cowboys, acquiring Phillips would address their defensive struggles, as they currently rank last in the NFL in yards and passing yards allowed. Phillips' addition could provide the much-needed defensive prowess that the team lacks without Micah Parsons. For the Dolphins, trading Phillips could be a strategic move to gain assets if they continue to fall out of playoff contention. This trade scenario highlights the dynamic nature of NFL team strategies, where player trades can shift team fortunes and influence playoff prospects.
What's Next?
If the Dolphins continue to underperform, they may look to trade Phillips before the deadline to maximize their return on his expiring contract. Meanwhile, the Cowboys, if they remain in playoff contention, might pursue Phillips to bolster their defense. The outcome of this potential trade could depend on the Dolphins' performance in upcoming games and the Cowboys' assessment of their defensive needs. Both teams will likely weigh the benefits of such a trade against their long-term strategies and immediate needs.
